How to Make a Kitchen Planter Box for Herbs

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This easy-to-build box is perfect for a kitchen window sill or countertop. If you plan on keeping your planter box outdoors, use a species of wood that is weather-resistant and line the box with a plastic wrapping.

We did not finish or paint our box, instead we left it natural and added a pop of color by painting the clips a bright neon color.

Attach Bottom and Sides

Lay the bottom piece of wood (the 18-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece) on a work surface and apply a small bead of wood glue all away around the edges. Adhere one of the side pieces (20" x 5-1/2") to the bottom, lining it up in the center. This will leave 3/4" overhang on each end.

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Attach the End Pieces

Place a small bead of wood glue down the side of one of the end pieces (5-1/2" x 5-1/2") and adhere it onto the bottom and side piece, creating a corner. Repeat this step on the other end of the planter. Place a small bead of wood glue onto both the final side pieces and end pieces and press gently to complete the box.

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Clamp It Together

While the glue is still a little bit wet, shift your box as needed to ensure the pieces match up how you want them. Once your pieces are in place, use a clamp on each end to secure the box. Let the box dry for at least 12 hours. When dry, use a few finishing nails on each corner to reinforce the box.

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Place the Clips

Use a pencil to mark where you will attach the clips. For our box, we measured 1" down from the top and put one in the direct center (10" in from the end) and then split the difference for the two other clips on each side. Once you have them marked as desired, gently hammer a nail, letting it poke out a bit for the clip to slide onto.

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Paint the Clip

We painted the clips with neon spray paint suitable for metal. Then we used trimmed card stock to write the names of the herbs in the box.

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Line the Box

(Optional) You can line the box with waterproof tape or plastic. This will keep your box from excessive warping if you are planting items that need regular watering.